Treatment of limited shoulder motion using an elevation splint

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Persistent glenohumeral joint stiffness following Magnuson-Stack repair for anterior instability can limit shoulder range of motion (ROM).
• Standard physical therapy techniques may not always resolve post-operative shoulder immobility.
• Conservative management strategies are crucial for optimizing functional recovery in patients with complex shoulder conditions.

Observation:

• A patient presented with plateaued shoulder ROM approximately 6 months after a Magnuson-Stack repair.
• Despite various physical therapy interventions, significant improvements in shoulder mobility were not achieved.
• The patient experienced persistent limitations in shoulder elevation and rotation.

Findings:

• The application of an inexpensive, easily fabricated elevation splint initiated 8 months postoperatively led to observed improvements in shoulder ROM.
• The splint facilitated sustained, gentle elevation of the glenohumeral joint, addressing tissue contracture.
• This non-invasive approach demonstrated efficacy in overcoming long-standing shoulder stiffness.

Implications:

• Elevation splinting presents a viable, cost-effective adjunct for managing refractory shoulder ROM limitations after anterior instability surgery.
• Clinicians can consider incorporating elevation splints into rehabilitation protocols for patients with similar post-operative challenges.
• Further research is warranted to explore the broader applicability and long-term outcomes of elevation splinting in shoulder rehabilitation.